And not only is it virtually everywhere, it also comes in three different varieties with the options of matt, velvet or gloss available for your print-perfecting pleasure. But what exactly is lamination? And why is it worth paying that little-bit extra for?

Well it’s not to be confused with the thick, plastic-ensnared end result of those pouch laminators you might have come across in schools, universities, or any place that likes making its own ID cards or the like. This is a far more refined process, one that leaves your chosen paper stock feeling and looking lovely, all while offering an added touch of protection.

Image credit: I Do Invites

This super-fine plastic coating is bonded with the surface of your prints to give them a scratch-proof, resilient finish, that helps them last longer and stay looking fresh from the press for longer.

We offer three different types of lamination here at printed.com. If you want a colourful, vibrant, shiny finish to your print, gloss lamination is a great choice. And for a low surface shine and a dense, subtle finish, matt lamination is a better selection. Or opt for the pleasingly soft, touchable texture of velvet, to give your print a readable, non-shine finish.

Velvet is essentially a more tactile version of matt lamination, for print that you won’t want to put down. But bear in mind that while it looks lovely, velvet lamination can make superfine text look a little fuzzy, so gloss or matt would be a better choice for delicate lettering.

When laminating, you can choose to cover one or both sides (referred to as single or double-sided) depending on how much protection you want to give. Or put another way, which part of the product you want to keep looking pristine?

For example lamination on the outside of your Greetings Cards is a great idea. but on the inside of your greetings cards it could make them tricky to write on, so one-sided lamination is the best option here.

One-off Gold Foil Greeting Cards designed by Laxmi and supplied by Printed.com

All of our Foil print is laminated with soft touch velvet – just like these from Laxmi Hussein!

Not only is lamination great at protecting your products from sticky fingers (ideal for products that are going to be handled frequently by customers such as greetings cards, postcards, booklets and catalogues), but if you’re ordering a large quantity that’s being delivered at once it can also save you from the trauma of in-transit ink transfer.

There’s little that’s more heart-breaking than opening your box of beautiful print, only to find that the vibrant red ink from the front of your great new card design has made friends with the once-pristine white back of the card sat next to it. So not only does this super-star selection of finishes help your cards, posters and leaflets arrive looking perfect, they’ll also keep them looking lovely and eye-catching enough to grab the attention of your customers or potential clients.

Valentine’s cards by Holly Rutter Illustration

Try lamination for yourself!

About the author

Jack knows everything there is to know about print. With nearly 20 years’ experience, he's an expert in everything from print floor processes to product specifications. When he’s not flexing his printing knowledge you’ll find him looking after his cat, Turnip. No really. That’s her actual name.